🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.